Stay Signed In
Do you want to access your site more quickly on this computer? Check this box, and your username and password will be remembered for two weeks. Click logout to turn this off.
Stay Safe
Do not check this box if you are using a public computer. You don't want anyone seeing your personal info or messing with your site.
HOUSING:
* A metal or plastic cage like one made for guinea pigs or bunnies are good, or a 20 gallon or larger aquarium. Make sure the cage has at least 2 square feet of floor space, and that the cage bottom has NO wire grates that their feet can fall through and get hurt on.
* Provide a hiding place or cover for the hedgehog to hide under, so that it will be less nervous. Large "critter logs," a shoe box or Kleenex box with a side cut out.
*Hedgehogs are from a warm environment and need to stay warm, but not too hot (about 68F to 85F is usually a good range).
* Keep males and females separate.
*Hedgehogs do climb,so make sure that they cannot reach any wire. They can crawl out , or climb up and fall which could hurt them.
*Clean the cage at least once a week, and there should be noodor.
BEDDING:
* Add a one to two inch layer of pine, aspen, ground corn cob, or other small animal bedding to your hedgehog's home. DON'T USE CEDAR because the aromatic oils can cause respiratory illness or death in hedgehogs.
TOYS:
* Hedgehogs need lots of exercise, as they can become obese with inactivity. A large wheel is recommended. Be sure that the running surface of the wheel is solid, so the hedgehog does get its feet caught in the grates.
* Most hedgies are pretty curious and love toys they can push, chew, or manipulate. Some of the things hedgehogs enjoyed are balls, baby blocks, small toy cars, large plastic toy trucks, toilet paper tubes, and rawhide chews. You can basically use anything you think they would have fun with , just make sure all toys are safe for them.
DIET/FOOD:
* Hedgehogs need a diet that consists of good protein and is low in fat.
* I give my hedgies a diet that is mainly cat food, but offer treats as well, especially treats with fiber in them (rice, beans, baby foods, pasta, as well as mealworms and crickets). Mixing in baby oatmeal flakes is a great way to add fiber, too.
*Other treats can be : scrambled eggs , chicken , bananas , skinless grapes , watermelon .. etc....
* Make sure you never give them raw meat, anything with salt, seasonings , or anything chewy that could get caught in their teeth.
